So. You want to deliver a message into a regional community but you’re not sure where to start. I’ll be straight with you, unless you have a gazillion dollars to spend on reaching your regional audience your best methodology will always be word of mouth. But – how do you get that word of mouth […]
Reaching the regions: PART ONE where to connect Read More
No matter what anyone tells you there is only one sure fire way to build trust in any regional community and that’s to keep showing up. Every regional community has seen its fair share of Johnny-come-lately’s who appear from out of nowhere, point out the obvious accompanied with big ideas and then disappear just as
After focusing my attention on regional and economic development for the past 7 years my return to the social impact world in the context of regional Australia has been somewhat disappointing – why? It’s simple. Nothing has changed. Of course there are flurries of activity surrounding champion regional enterprises and even some communities – but
Ecosystems of change: Why things don’t change in the regions Read More
With much government funding now honing in on regional Australia it’s no wonder companies are spreading their geographic wings embracing the idea of ‘going bush’ to deliver their many and varied services, or at least saying they do across the broad country. While this phenomena is far from new the increased investment brings with it
9 tips to be a better partner for change in the regions Read More
Crisis in a community is a tricky beast. While we may be told each crisis can be managed with the same set of instructions, they can’t. Unless that template is written to accommodate all place-based variables. What? Let’s take one experience I had during the 2019 bushfires. I was volunteering in a community I know
Why local knowledge is critical Read More
There is no doubt the culture of many regional towns (particularly larger towns and regional cities) is shifting. This shift has been happening gradually over decades as previous city dwellers shift for work relocation, more relaxed and affordable lifestyles. The sheer cost of living (and affordability of country living) indicates this will no doubt increase
Seven rules nobody will tell you about living in regional Australia Read More
If you were new to Regional Australian culture you’d be easily forgiven for thinking that ‘up yourself’ was a profanity. In fact, I bet a great percentage of readers cringed at the mere title of this post “you can’t say that”. Apologies in advance… this is an important community warning. Fact is. Someone has to point
Are you up yourself? Why that matters in the bush Read More
There’s no point pretending this is business as usual. It’s not. I’ve just quietly edged away from gnarling cabin-fevered teens to post this (oh, who am I kidding, the first part of the sentence was enough). Things are different right now, we are different. I’ve put together a few posts that may assist, feel free
Covid-19 resource pack for working during self-isolation Read More
It’s unlikely you’ll get through this human experience without stumbling across treachery. Treachery: noun betrayal of trust If your world view is somewhat pollyannic (as mine once was) you’ll believe that all people have your best intentions in mind as they go about their business. They don’t. Age and experience has taught me that this
How to deal to treachery Read More
How to ensure your hand isn’t left dangling in the wind What does the humble handshake mean these days? Is it a punctuation mark to a well-executed business deal? A sign of mateship? Or just a simple courtesy? It could be any of the above but for people like my dad, by his own description
A silent yet powerful protest Read More